Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Parrots”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

[A comparison of parrot food commercially available in The Netherlands].

The composition of a number of parrot foods commercially available in the Netherlands was put to the test for the (partly hypothetical) needs of the larger psittacine birds such as African Grey parrots, Amazon parrots, macaws and cockatoos. These studies showed that the majority of the foods is multideficient. When the deficient foods are supplied to parrots without any additions, this will give rise to the appearance of disease. However, some of the products recently put on the market (Bogena and Kasper Fauna Food) comply better with the requirements of a 'complete parrot food'. As regards public enlightenment, food producers, petshops, consumer organisations and veterinarians are obviously responsible.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2006

Chlamydophila psittaci in free-living Blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) and Hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Chlamydophila psittaci (C. psittaci) infection was evaluated in 77 free-living nestlings of Blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) and Hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Tracheal and cloacal swab samples from 32 wild parrot and 45 macaw nestlings were submitted to semi-nested PCR, while serum samples were submitted to complement fixation test (CFT). Although all 32 Amazon parrot serum samples were negative by CFT, cloacal swabs from two birds were positive for Chlamydophila DNA by semi-nested PCR (6.3%); these positive birds were 32 and 45 days old. In macaws, tracheal and cloacal swabs were positive in 8.9% and 26.7% of the samples, respectively. Complement-fixing antibodies were detected in 4.8% of the macaw nestlings; macaw nestlings with positive findings were between 33 and 88 days old. These results indicate widespread dissemination of this pathogen in the two evaluated psittacine populations. No birds had clinical signs suggestive of chlamydiosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on C. psittaci in free-living Blue-fronted Amazon parrots and Hyacinth macaws in Brazil.

Amazona↗
PubMed1997

Lexicon size and its relation to foot preference in the African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus).

To study footedness in parrots, an international survey of parrot owners was conducted. Responses were obtained from 524 individuals, including 70 owners of African Grey parrots (all animals > or = 10 months old). All respondents were given a 10-item questionnaire and a standard method for testing foot preference in their pets, and they were asked to count the number of separate words in their pets' lexicons of human speech sounds. Right-footed African Greys (N = 36) had significantly larger lexicons than left-footed African Greys (N = 34; P = 0.01). This difference could not be accounted for by group differences in training efforts or socialization/housing with conspecifics. A non-significant trend in the same direction was found in a comparison sample of Amazon parrots, although these genera are less adept than African Greys at learning human speech sounds. Other investigators have provided convincing evidence of lateralization, in the avian brain, for the analysis and memory of differing types of stimuli. In addition, there appears to be preferential left hypserstriatal activation for long-term memory consolidation. Our results suggest a relationship between lateral asymmetry for motor preference and asymmetric CNS mediation of a 'higher cognitive' function (i.e. the categorization and long-term mnestic processing of human speech sound.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

CT-assisted versus silicone rubber cast morphometry of the lower respiratory tract in healthy amazons (genus Amazona) and grey parrots (genus Psittacus).

The objective of this study was to examine the normal respiratory tract of grey parrots and amazons by using two different methods. The lower respiratory tract of five amazons and four grey parrots, all healthy, were investigated applying computerised tomography (CT). Volumes and densities of the body, the body cavities, the normal lungs, and the airsacs in the living animals were defined as reference values of healthy birds to give a basis for future CT-diagnosis of respiratory diseases and their precise locations in parrots. In a parallel study, the lung and air sac volumes of six amazons and two grey parrots were measured using silicone rubber casts produced after the method described by H.-R. Duncker. Values for identical respiratory structures gained by these different methods were compared.

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional↗
PubMed2004

A molecular phylogeny of Amazona: implications for Neotropical parrot biogeography, taxonomy, and conservation.

Amazon parrots (Genus Amazona) are among the most recognizable and imperiled of all birds. Several hypotheses regarding the evolutionary history of Amazona are investigated using a combined phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequence data from six partitions including mitochondrial (COI, 12S, and 16S) and nuclear (beta-fibint7, RP40, and TROP) regions. The results demonstrate that Amazona is not monophyletic with respect to the placement of the Yellow-faced parrot (Amazona xanthops), as first implied by. In addition, the analysis corroborates previous studies suggesting a Neotropical short-tailed parrot genus as sister to Amazona. At a finer level, the phylogeny resolves the Greater Antillean endemic species as constituting a monophyletic group, including the Central American Amazona albifrons, while further revealing a paraphyletic history for the extant Amazon species of the Lesser Antilles. The reconstructed phylogeny provides further insights into the mainland sources of the Antillean Amazona, reveals areas of taxonomic uncertainty within the genus, and presents historical information that may be included in conservation priority-setting for Amazon parrots.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Development of Piagetian object permanence in a grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus).

The authors evaluated the ontogenetic performance of a grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) on object permanence tasks designed for human infants. Testing began when the bird was 8 weeks old, prior to fledging and weaning. Because adult grey parrots understand complex invisible displacements (I. M. Pepperberg & F. A. Kozak, 1986), the authors continued weekly testing until the current subject completed all of I. C. Uzgiris and J. Hunt's (1975) Scale 1 tasks. Stage 6 object permanence with respect to these tasks emerged at 22 weeks, after the bird had fledged but before it was completely weaned. Although the parrot progressed more rapidly overall than other species that have been tested ontogenetically, the subject similarly exhibited a behavioral plateau part way through the study. Additional tests, administered at 8 and 12 months as well as to an adult grey parrot, demonstrated, respectively, that these birds have some representation of a hidden object and understand advanced invisible displacements.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Footedness in parrots: three centuries of research, theory, and mere surmise.

In contemporary debates about laterality in animals, the parrot (Psittaciformes) is often cited as an exemplar--possibly unique--of laterality in limb function at the population level comparable in kind and strength to handedness in man. This conclusion rests on just two reports (Friedman & Davis, 1938; Rogers, 1980) that most species of parrots are left-footed, that is, that they preferentially perch on the right foot and hold food with the left. In fact, speculation about and scientific study of laterality in parrots go well beyond these two investigations. The question itself dates from at least the 17th century, after which, beginning in the 1860s, it became the subject of broad interest and debate. In our own time, it also has continued to occupy the attention of at least a small number of ornithologists and field biologists whose work, like that of their predecessors, is not cited in the current neuropsychological literature on this topic. To fill out the historical as well as contemporary record for consideration by neuropsychologists today, these other observations and theoretical analyses are reviewed, and new questions about laterality in parrots raised by this work are presented.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Atherosclerosis in parrots. A review.

Atherosclerosis is a common disease in parrots. The disease is found in all common parrot species, but especially in African Grey parrots and Amazons. It is a disease of older birds that is seen in both males and females. The most common sign is sudden death, but clinical symptoms that can be found include dyspnea, lethargy and nervous signs, such as paresis and collapses. Because the clinical signs are seldomly seen, it is difficult to diagnose atherosclerosis and therefore it is mostly an unexpected finding at necropsy. Age and species are determinants of atherosclerosis in parrots. Suggested risk factors include an elevated plasma cholesterol level, diet composition, social stress and inactivity, but research is needed to confirm this.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2000

Cryptosporidium meleagridis in an Indian ring-necked parrot (Psittacula krameri).

OBJECTIVE: To perform a morphological and genetic characterisation of a Cryptosporidium infection in an Indian ring-necked parrot (Psittacula krameri) and to compare this with C meleagridis from a turkey. DESIGN: Tissue and intestinal sections from an Indian ring-necked parrot were examined microscopically for Cryptosporidium. The organism was also purified from the crop and intestine, the DNA extracted and a portion of the 18S rDNA gene amplified, sequenced and compared with sequence and biological information obtained for C meleagridis from a turkey as well as sequence information for other species of Cryptosporidium. RESULTS: Morphological examination of tissue sections from an Indian ring-necked parrot revealed large numbers of Cryptosporidium oocysts attached to the apical border of enterocytes lining the intestinal tract. Purified Cryptosporidium oocysts measured about 5.1 x 4.5 microns, which conformed morphologically to C meleagridis. The sequence obtained from this isolate was identical to sequence information obtained from a C meleagridis isolate from a turkey. CONCLUSION: Cryptosporidium meleagridis was detected in an Indian ring-necked parrot using morphological and molecular methods. This is the first time that this species of Cryptosporidium has been reported in a non-galliform host and extends the known host range of C meleagridis.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Echocardiographic examinations of 60 African grey parrots and 30 other psittacine birds.

The aim of this study was to establish reference values for the assessment of cardiac function in birds by measuring structures in the heart of healthy psittacine birds; 60 grey parrots, 10 Amazon parrots, 10 cockatoos and 10 Senegal parrots were anaesthetised with isoflurane and examined echocardiographically. The heart was visualised in two planes (vertical and horizontal views). Depending on the quality of the images, several dimensions of the heart could be measured and various parameters calculated. On the basis of these values, it was possible to establish reference values for each parrot genus. Some relative parameters showed no significant difference between the genera, independent of the bird's size.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Serum concentrations of ionized calcium, vitamin D3, and parathyroid hormone in captive thick-billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha).

Serum collected from 68 thick-billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) from 15 institutions was analyzed for ionized Ca (iCa), total Ca (tCa), P, total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and vitamin D3. Values were not distributed normally; 95% frequency intervals were as follows: iCa (0.82-1.3 mmol/L), tCa (1.37-2.09 mmol/L,), P (0.35-1.75 mmol/L), TP (21-39 g/L), Alb (9-13 g/L), PTH (0-65.68 pmol/L), and vitamin D3 (5.2-51 nmol/L). Sixty percent (+/-7.5%) of tCa was ionized. Female thick-billed parrots had significantly higher mean iCa (1.11 mmol/L, n = 22) than male thick-billed parrots (1.05 mmol/L, n = 32). tCa and iCa values in thick-billed parrots were lower than the reported values for other psittacine species. A significant positive linear relationship existed between Alb-TP and iCa-tCa ratios. A significant inverse linear relationship was also identified between the tCa-P ratio and PTH. These findings are consistent with known domestic avian Ca physiology.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Pharmacokinetics of fluconazole after oral administration of single and multiple doses in African grey parrots.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics and effects of orally administered fluconazole in African grey parrots. ANIMALS: 40 clinically normal Timneh African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus timneh). PROCEDURE: In single-dose trials, parrots were placed into groups of 4 to 5 birds each and fluconazole was administered orally at 10 and 20 mg/kg. Blood samples for determination of plasma fluconazole concentrations were collected from each group at 2 or 3 of the following time points: 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 31, 48, and 72 hours. In multiple-dose trials, fluconazole was administered orally to groups of 5 birds each at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg every 48 hours for 12 days. Trough plasma concentrations were measured 3 times during treatment. Groups receiving 20 mg/kg were monitored for changes in plasma biochemical analytes, and blood samples were collected on days 1 and 13 of treatment to allow comparison of terminal half-life. RESULTS: Peak plasma concentrations of fluconazole were 7.45 and 18.59 microg/mL, and elimination half-lives were 9.22 and 10.19 hours for oral administration of 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively. Oral administration of fluconazole for 12 days at 10 or 20 mg/kg every 48 hours did not cause identifiable adverse effects or change the disposition of fluconazole. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral administration of fluconazole to parrots at 10 to 20 mg/kg every 24 to 48 hours maintains plasma concentrations above the minimum inhibitory concentration for several common yeast species. The prolonged dosing interval is an advantage of this treatment regimen.

Absorption↗
PubMed2000

Viremia, virus shedding, and antibody response during natural avian polyomavirus infection in parrots.

OBJECTIVE: To determine rapidity of spread and onset and duration of viremia, virus shedding, and antibody production in parrots naturally infected with avian polyomavirus (APV). DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 92 parrots in 2 aviaries. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were obtained from parrots naturally exposed to APV during a 3- to 4-month period for determination of serum virus neutralizing antibody and detection of viral DNA. Nestlings from the next year's hatch were monitored for APV infection. RESULTS: The first indication of inapparent infection was viremia, which developed simultaneously with or was followed within 1 week by cloacal virus shedding and antibody production. Cloacal virus shedding continued after viremia ceased. During viremia, viral DNA was detected continuously in blood samples. Viral DNA was detected in serial cloacal swab specimens in most birds, but it was detected inconsistently in 6 birds and not detected in 3 birds, even though these birds were viremic. Duration of cloacal virus shedding was < or = 4.5 months. In 1 aviary, prevalence of infection was 88% and dissemination of virus through the 3-room building required 4.5 months. In the second aviary, a single-room nursery, prevalence of infection was > or = 90%. For all affected birds, infection could be detected 18 days after the first death. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If a single sampling is used for polymerase chain reaction detection of viral DNA, blood and cloacal swab specimens are required. In nestling nonbudgerigar parrots, cloacal virus shedding may persist for 4.5 months. Management protocols alone are sufficient to prevent introduction of APV into a nursery.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Analgesic effects of butorphanol and buprenorphine in conscious African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of butorphanol tartrate and buprenorphine hydrochloride on withdrawal threshold to a noxious stimulus in conscious African grey parrots. ANIMALS: 29 African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh). PROCEDURE: Birds were fitted with an electrode on the medial metatarsal region of the right leg, placed into a test box, and allowed to acclimate. An electrical stimulus (range, 0.0 to 1.46 mA) was delivered to each bird's foot through an aluminum perch. A withdrawal response was recorded when the bird lifted its foot from the perch or vigorously flinched its wings. Baseline threshold to a noxious electrical stimulus was determined. Birds then were randomly assigned to receive an i.m. injection of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, butorphanol (1.0 mg/kg of body weight), or buprenorphine (0.1 mg/kg), and threshold values were determined again. RESULTS: Butorphanol significantly increased threshold value, but saline solution or buprenorphine did not significantly change threshold values. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Butorphanol had an analgesic effect, significantly increasing the threshold to electrical stimuli in African grey parrots. Buprenorphine at the dosage used did not change the threshold to electrical stimulus. Butorphanol provided an analgesic response in half of the birds tested. Butorphanol would be expected to provide analgesia to African grey parrots in a clinical setting.

Analgesia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Severe leukopenia and liver necrosis in young African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) infected with psittacine circovirus.

This paper describes the signs, clinical pathology, and postmortem findings in 14 young African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) that were naturally infected with psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) virus (psittacine circovirus). All but two of the parrots had severe leukopenia at clinical presentation. Two other parrots also had severe anemia. All birds died within 3 wk after presentation. Postmortem examination documented liver necrosis in 11 of 14 birds and secondary bacterial or fungal infections in 9 of 14 birds. Tests for Chlamydia psittaci, polyomavirus, and Salmonella sp. were negative. PBFD viral infection could be demonstrated in all birds by polymerase chain reaction. Supporting evidence of PBFD viral infection was gathered by histologic examination of the bursa of Fabricius, electron microscopy, and DNA in situ hybridization. Electron microscopic examination of both the bursa of Fabricius and liver revealed virus particles resembling circovirus. DNA in situ hybridization of six liver tissue samples confirmed the presence of PBFD virus and excluded the presence of avian polyomavirus. Our findings suggest that a specific presentation of peracute PBFD viral infection, characterized by severe leukopenia, anemia, or pancytopenia and liver necrosis in the absence of feather and beak abnormalities, may occur in young African grey parrots.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[A case of bird fanciers' disease caused by parrot droppings].

A 50-year-old woman who had been treated for Parkinson's disease was admitted to our hospital because of exertional dyspnea and weight loss. Her chest computed tomography showed diffuse ground glass opacities in both lung fields. Bronchofiberscopy was performed, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed an elevated lymphocyte count. The serum Ouchterlony test yielded positive results for parrot droppings as well as for pigeon serum and droppings. She had had a parrot for several years, but no pigeon, and so we diagnosed bird fanciers' disease associated with parrot droppings. This responded well to steroid therapy. This case of bird fanciers' disease was caused by the droppings of only one parrot.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Assessment of commercial feeds for parrots].

Twenty-five commercial parrot feeds were analyzed and compared with a guideline as to the nutrient requirements of parrots. There was a large variation in the composition of the different feeds. The protein content differed from 10.4 to 20.6%. A total of 18 feeds had a low protein content and thus is only suitable for adult animals during maintenance. The calcium content varied from 0.08 to 2.21 g/100 g. Seven out of the 13 seed mixtures had a calcium content lower than the requirement. Calcium deficiency can lead to rachitis, osteomalacia, secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism and hypocalcaemia syndrome in African Grey parrots. With the help of the analyzed composition, the different feeds were judged on their quality. Apart from macronutrients, minerals and trace elements, the fatty acid composition of the feeds was also determined. Atherosclerosis is a common disease in parrots, and an important risk factor is elevated plasma cholesterol. Plasma cholesterol is strongly influenced by fat content and fatty acid composition of the diet. Based on the fatty acid composition, the effect of a diet on plasma cholesterol can be predicted. All feeds had a similar, small effect on plasma cholesterol. However, the feeds differed strongly in their alpha-linolenic acid content (0.03-0.65 g/MJ). According to literature data alpha-linolenic acid could have an anti-atherosclerotic effects.

Animal Feed↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Psittacine pox virus: virus isolation and identification, transmission, and cross-challenge studies in parrots and chickens.

An avian pox virus was isolated from Amazon parrots dying with severe diphtheritic oral, esophageal, and crop lesions. The virus was propagated on chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) of 10-day-old chicken embryos, and a homogenate of the infected CAM was rubbed vigorously onto the conjunctiva, oral mucosa, and defeathered follicles of two healthy Amazon parrots and three conures. All experimental birds developed cutaneous and ocular pox lesions, and one parrot developed oral pox lesions. Specific-pathogen-free chicks inoculated with the virus isolate developed skin lesions identical to those of the parrots. Chickens vaccinated with fowl and pigeon pox vaccines and inoculated with the psittacine isolate developed lesions typical of avian pox. Chickens vaccinated with the psittacine virus were susceptible to fowl and pigeon pox virus infection. This pox virus isolate may thus be regarded as a potential pathogen for chickens.

Animals↗